Discover Southwest Florida: Galleries & Visual Art

Author: Karen T. Bartlett

Art collectors come from around the globe to acquire fine paintings, sculpture, photography and objets d’art here on the Gulfshore. Scores of studios with artists in residence reflect our love of all things beautiful. From oil and watercolor to glass, bronze and clay; from exquisite miniatures to massive one-of-a-kind installations; art treasures come in all sizes and all media.

In addition to the spacious, world-class museums such as the Patty & Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art and community art collectives such as The von Liebig Art Center (Naples) and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (Fort Myers), don’t miss the scores of smaller galleries all along the Gulfshore. Besides the recognized “gallery rows” in Old Naples, downtown Fort Myers and on Pine Island, you’ll discover important works of art in all media tucked into historic tin-roofed cottages and turn-of-the-century fisherman’s shacks, in museums and visitors’ centers, as well as art associations and artisans’ studios. On the first Friday of each month, the Historic River District of Fort Myers celebrates the arts with gallery open houses, receptions and live music. Old Naples has its Thursdays on Third (Third Street South) and Evenings on Fifth (Fifth Avenue South).

Not all the art along the Gulfshore is restrained by gallery walls. Regional and international artists have been commissioned by both city and private organizations to grace both indoor and outdoor spaces with sculptures, murals, fountains and mosaics.

It begins in Fort Myers, the minute you enter the terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport, with the stunning Children of the Everglades exhibit. These historic photographs and artifacts depict the lives of the Seminole-Miccosukee Indian children, including patchwork clothing, pine-needle and sweet-grass baskets, palmetto dolls and historical documents.

Dennison-Moran Gallery, 360 12th Ave. S., (239) 263-0590. A contemporary American craft gallery featuring the work of more than 150 artists and craftsmen, including the owners, painter Mary Moran and goldsmiths Kathleen and Robert Dennison.

The Gallery at ArtMove, 5465 Jaeger Road, (239) 262-8816. The exclusive U.S. marketing representative for the Mondazzi Collection, showcasing works by Italian contemporary sculptor and painter Marcello Mondazzi. artmovellc.com/marcello_mondazzi-2.

The Gallery at Geary Design, 4646 Domestic Ave., Suite 102, (239) 594-1600. An experience in modern art and design, featuring an ever-changing presentation of original paintings, sculpture, photography and works on paper, plus original studio furniture and contemporary lighting. gearydesign.com.

New River Fine Art, the Colonnade at 600 Fifth Ave. S., Suite 102, (239) 435-4515. Fine American and European contemporary, modern and impressionist paintings and sculpture, including glass. newriverfineart.com.

Rosen Gallery & Studio, North Line Plaza at 2172 J & C Blvd., (239) 821-1061. Provides a unique artistic experience uniting three gallery spaces that surround the working studios of featured artists, including painters, sculptors and potters. rosenraku.com.

Shaw Gallery of Naples, 761 Fifth Ave. S., (239) 261-7828. Celebrating its 23rd season in the heart of Old Naples, Shaw Gallery of Naples represents a group of 40 nationally and internationally acclaimed painters, sculptors and glass artists. shawgallery.com.

The Sultan Gallery at KVS Interior Design, 3820 Via Del Rey, Bonita Springs, (239) 949-6700. Showcases the work of Southwest Florida’s leading artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors and creators of pottery and distinctive craft items. Out-of-region and international artists are featured on an occasional basis. The Sultan Gallery’s intention is to keep the spotlight on the extremely talented artists who live and work in Southwest Florida.
kvsinteriordesign.com/sultan-gallery.

Art of the Olympians, 1300 Hendry St., (239) 332-5055. Inspiring individuals to explore, discover and value the power of their creative potential through arts, education and sport programming. The museum showcases Olympic sports memorabilia and features artwork by international Olympians. artoftheolympians.org.

In One Instant Gallery of Photography, 1526 Jackson St., (239) 834-0995. In addition to showcasing images produced in the analog traditions of film and paper as well as in today’s digital mediums, the gallery explores the history and evolution of photography and its role in society over the past 190 years. inoneinstant.com.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., in the historic Federal Building, (239) 333-1933. It offers regular exhibits by local, national and international artists as well as concerts, performances by theater groups and other events. sbdac.com.

Jungle Drums Gallery, 11532 Andy Rosse Lane, (239) 395-2266. A variety of art in all price ranges. Media presented from local and international activists includes metal, wood, clay, glass, jewelry and much more. jungledrumsgallery.com.